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Sports

Work proceeds on the fields at 17th Street Park in northeastern Sarasota County. Completion is expected late this year
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 9, 2026
Multistate softball tournament coming to 17th Street Park

A high school event in 2027 joins a college tournament already planned at expanded Sarasota County facility.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Drew Smith (left) and Chase Smith (right) are a sophomore and senior, respectively, at The Out-of-Door Academy. They lost their father, Scott Smith, to esophageal cancer in October of 2023.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 9, 2026
Brothers fundraise in their father's memory

Chase and Drew Smith held their third annual track and field fundraiser for pediatric cancer research.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Kayleigh Bergstrom is one of three sophomores alongside Gabby Ulrich and Kaitlin Carolan to lead the Cougars in scoring this season.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 8, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Kayleigh Bergstrom

The sophomore midfielder is approaching 100 goals with Cardinal Mooney girls lacrosse this season.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Ernie Els reads the green at The Concession during the 2023 World Champions Cup. He's No. 6 on the PGA Tour Champions money standings, as of April 6, and will be active at the Senior PGA Championship.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 7, 2026
The PGA Tour Champions could use a jolt of charisma

Without Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson, the senior circuit has been lacking in that ever-important department.

  • East County
  • Sports
Bella Toscano is one of two Mustangs, as of April 3, hitting over .450, but also boasts the lowest ERA among her teammates.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 6, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Bella Toscano

The sophomore pitcher/first baseman leads Lakewood Ranch High softball on both sides of the ball.

  • East County
  • Sports
Jeremy Gandon kisses the LECOM Suncoast Classic trophy. He shot six under par in the final round to win the title at 22 under par overall, defeating Mitchell Meissner and Jay Card III by one stroke.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 5, 2026
Jeremy Gandon wins 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic

The Frenchman birdied the 18th hole to clinch the title and avoid a three-person playoff.

  • East County
  • Sports
Jeremy Gandon tees off on the first hole of the Commander Course at Lakewood National Golf Club. The 29-year-old Frenchman carded six under par in the third round.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 4, 2026
Race tightens in third round of 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic

Ian Gilligan and Jeremy Gandon are tied at the top, but multiple golfers are right behind them.

  • East County
  • Sports
Mitchell Meissner lines up his putt on the third green of the Commander Course at Lakewood National Golf Club. He carded six under par in the second round, pulling into a 10-way tie for 10th place.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 3, 2026
Front runner emerges on second day of 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic

Ian Gilligan stormed ahead of the pack with a four-stroke lead for first place.

  • East County
  • Sports
Hunter Eichhorn watches his approach shot fly on the ninth hole. He already has four top-10 finishes this season on the Korn Ferry Tour, and leads the LECOM Suncoast Classic after round one at nine under par.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 3, 2026
First round of 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic ended early by weather

Hunter Eichhorn led the Korn Ferry Tour event at the time play was suspended.

  • East County
  • Sports
Colin Montgomery, a two-time winner of the Senior PGA Championship, is in the 135-player field committed to play April 16-19.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • April 3, 2026
All-star field set for Senior PGA Championship

Twenty-one major winners are part of the 135-golfer lineup heading to Lakewood Ranch's The Concession.

  • East County
  • Sports
Ashlan Guengerich celebrates an out during Sarasota softball's game at Parrish Community on March 31. The senior owns a .528 batting average which ranks best among Sailors with 10 or more games played.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 2, 2026
Sarasota High softball eyes another deep postseason run

The Sailors are under new leadership but return major contributors from last year's state semifinalist finish.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
John Saputo (left), Denise Saputo (top center), Lorraine Vitale (right) and Dick Vitale (bottom center) at the "March Mayhem" fundraiser and Elite Eight watch party. The Saputos were the hosts March 28 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 1, 2026
March Mayhem fundraiser in Lakewood Ranch benefits pediatric cancer research

Dick Vitale, a four-time cancer survivor, hosted the event at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.

  • East County
  • Sports
Jacobey Mobley's speed isn't just on the track. He was Booker football's leading rusher in 2025 en route to the FHSAA Class 3A state semifinals.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 31, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Jacobey Mobley

The senior won two races at the Hurricane Invite for Booker High boys track and field.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Braden River High girls weightlifting coach Jordan Borges (right) shares a hug with senior Payton Mangay-Ayam (left). Borges said he has seen multiple Florida high school coaches leave their positions because of financial strain.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 31, 2026
SB 538 will improve pay for some coaches but leave many behind

The bill, which has already passed the Florida Legislature, is poised to benefit booster-friendly programs.

  • East County
  • Sports
Mickey Cohen is the leading scorer for Lakewood Ranch High boys lacrosse this season. He surpassed 100 career goals as a junior in 2025.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 30, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Mickey Cohen

The senior has been on a scoring tear for Lakewood Ranch High boys lacrosse.

  • East County
  • Sports
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1
Amanda Parrish is serving as the EDC's interim CEO, and Elizabeth Cordes is the director of business recruitment and expansion.
  • April 10, 2026
Manatee County Commission changes course on Bradenton EDC
2
Drugs, cash and a rifle bullet were among the items found by Sarasota Police in a search of a 31st Way home, resulting in the arrest of Demarius R. Jones, of Sarasota.
  • April 10, 2026
Sarasota man on probation arrested on drug, other charges
3
Rod Brogan and Rachel Moulton star in Florida Studio Theatre's "Birthday Candles."
  • April 10, 2026
Today and tomorrow take the stage in Florida Studio Theatre's 'Birthday Candles'
4
Hanami Sushi Cocktails & Grill is at 1525 Fourth St., Suite C, in Sarasota.
  • April 10, 2026
Sushi restaurant opens in Sarasota's Rosemary District
5
Helga Williams
  • April 9, 2026
Helga Williams

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